2019 Best's Great Western Old Vine Pinot Meunier, Great Western

Pinot Meunier vineyards were first planted in 1868, comprising about 85% Pinot Meunier and the remaining component being Pinot Noir. Today, we hand-pick and sort the grapes, which are then fermented in small open fermenters and matured in French oak. It is the earliest picked red grape at Best's.

The Best’s Old Vine Pinot Meunier has a cult following, particularly in the wine community, where people understand the scarcity of this varietal planting. Best’s Old Vine Pinot Meunier is made only in the best vintages; in other years, the fruit goes into Best’s Concongella Collection Pinot Meunier/Noir

Bright mid crimson with a pale vermillion hue. A heady perfume of primary fruits, dried cranberries, cherries and freshly ground spices. Intriguing and beguiling. Concentrated and dense, but light bodied. The fruit flavours are layered with spices and framed with silky tannins. Good to drink in the short term but it will reward cellaring in ideal conditions for 20 years or more

The perfumed bouquet of violets and roses introduces a palate with that absolute certainty of place. Like ripples of water lapping the shore at night, its tapestry of flavours is endlessly complex, yet subtle. You must come to it, for there's no fireworks here, but when you do, you will taste a truly great wine.

99 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au